Collisional dissociation studies of Cu2+(H2O)(n) using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Contrary to an earlier report [A.T. Blades, P. Jayaweera, M.G. Ikonomou, P. Kebarle, J. Chem. Phys. 92 (1990) 5900], hydrated cupric ions Cu2+(H2O)(n) (n = 4-14) are readily produced in the gas phase by electrospray ionizatio n and possess sufficient intensities for collision-assisted dissociation st udies. Daughter ions, Cu2+(H2O)(x), with x as low as 2 are observed to be s table. Charge reduction yielding CuOH(H2O)(n-y)(+) is observed but declines in importance with increase in the size of the hydration shell. Methanol c an exchange with some of the water molecules in Cu2+(H2O)(n). (Int J Mass S pectrom 185/186/187 (1999) 227-229) (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V.